The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Phoenix this July 25th-26th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipaloffices in 20099. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

VETERANS FOR PEACE, PHOENIX CHAPTER 75We are Veterans working together for peace and justice through non-violence! To this end we will work with others to:

(a). Increase public awareness of the full cost of war.(b). Restrain our government from intervening, overtly or covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.(c). End the arms race and reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons.(d). Seek justice for veterans and victims of war.(e). Abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

We meet every second Wednesday at 6:30PM.

Location is: Casey Moore's Oyster House850 S Ash Ave.It is located one block south of University Drive and two blocks West of Mill Ave

ARIZONA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Arizona:

Food Conspiracy is a natural foods market, cooperatively owned by its members and open to the public. Since 1971 we have been committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Our produce department is entirely organic, and we don’t carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). We are committed to offering certified organic products whenever we have a choice, and we have the most extensive bulk selection in town. In alignment with our commitment to environmentalism, social justice, and education, we are constantly expanding our line of local, fair trade, and independently produced items.

I should note that I personally am not as concerned about GMOs as this co-op seems to be, but I have no doubt that overall I agree with their philosophy and that they are an excellent place to shop.

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 9,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $11.6 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 13,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* Some of the best solar resources in the nation fall right on Arizona. In fact, research shows that Arizona's sunshine can provide 50 times more electricity than what the entire state uses today.

* Arizona has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires public utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025

Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Arizona, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527

The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.

GROUPS AND EVENTS:Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

DFA of Phoenix Monthly MeetingDemocracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PMContact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more informationWebsite: www.dfalink.com/az-vote

Community Gardens of Tucson: A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

District 20 Democrats MeetingMonthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

District 10 Democrats MeetingMonthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Scottsdale * First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30 * Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird) * On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road. * Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month. * Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!! * Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona * Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward * The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass) * Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally * Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.orgMy Arizona readership has been dwindling since the election, so I am cutting back on my updates of news from Arizona. But there is enough useful info that I will keep posting.

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Phoenix this July 25th-26th:

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign8. Help elect progressive mayors, city council members and other municipaloffices in 20099. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don't worry if you can't afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

VETERANS FOR PEACE, PHOENIX CHAPTER 75We are Veterans working together for peace and justice through non-violence! To this end we will work with others to:

(a). Increase public awareness of the full cost of war.(b). Restrain our government from intervening, overtly or covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.(c). End the arms race and reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons.(d). Seek justice for veterans and victims of war.(e). Abolish war as an instrument of national policy.

We meet every second Wednesday at 6:30PM.

Location is: Casey Moore's Oyster House850 S Ash Ave.It is located one block south of University Drive and two blocks West of Mill Ave

ARIZONA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Arizona:

Food Conspiracy is a natural foods market, cooperatively owned by its members and open to the public. Since 1971 we have been committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Our produce department is entirely organic, and we don’t carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). We are committed to offering certified organic products whenever we have a choice, and we have the most extensive bulk selection in town. In alignment with our commitment to environmentalism, social justice, and education, we are constantly expanding our line of local, fair trade, and independently produced items.

I should note that I personally am not as concerned about GMOs as this co-op seems to be, but I have no doubt that overall I agree with their philosophy and that they are an excellent place to shop.

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 9,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $11.6 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 13,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* Some of the best solar resources in the nation fall right on Arizona. In fact, research shows that Arizona's sunshine can provide 50 times more electricity than what the entire state uses today.

* Arizona has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires public utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025

Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Arizona, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527

The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.

GROUPS AND EVENTS:Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

DFA of Phoenix Monthly MeetingDemocracy for America meets the first Monday of the month at IHOP at the corner of 44th St. and Thomas Rd at 7PMContact: Toby Stohl at 602.955-9050 for more informationWebsite: www.dfalink.com/az-vote

Community Gardens of Tucson: A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

District 20 Democrats MeetingMonthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

District 10 Democrats MeetingMonthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Scottsdale * First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30 * Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird) * On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road. * Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month. * Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!! * Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org